Electron-discharge device and iffethod of btanttfactttring the same



Nov. 2 1926.

w. F. HENDRY ELscrRoN DISCHARGE DEVICE AND METHOD 0F MANUFACTURING THE sAuz Filed July 14, 1920 /n Ven for.' W/7//m F Hendry b f 'Affy Patented Nov. Z, 1926.

UNITED Sleflt WILLIAIi/I F. HENDRY, OF NEVI YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO W'ESTERN ELECTRC COTE- PANY, INCORPORATED, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION GF NEW YORK.

ELECTRON-DISCIIARGE DEVICE AND T/IETHOD OF MANUFACTURING TI-IE SAME.

Application filed July 14,

This invention relates to an electrode structure for electron discharge devices and to methods for assembling the same.

An Object of this invention is to provide a compact and rugged electrode structure for an electron discharge device of such a type that the electrodes of the structure may be assembled and permanently lined up with respect to each other prior to attaching the structure to any part of the containing vessel of the device.

For convenience. this invention will be illustrated and described in connection with an electron discharge device of the threeelectrode type, comprising an anode, a cathode and a controlling or grid electrode, enclosed in an evacuated vessel. The electrode unit, hereinafter described in detail as constituting one form of structure to which the assembling methods of this invention may be applied, comprises a cylindrical anode supporting at either end a block of insulating material. The grid and cathode are located within the anode and are supported by wires fastened to the two blocks of insulating material. The electrode unit, comprising the three electrodes and the two blocks of insulating material, is supported in the vessel by having the anode terminate in a metallic collar. which surrounds an inwardly projecting neck of the containing Vessel and which may be held thereto by friction.

The method employed in assembling such a structure, so that the three electrodes are assembled and permanently lined up with respect to each other prior to attaching them to any part of the containing vessel, comprises the steps of. attaching the filament or cathode to one of the blocks` attaching the cylindrical anode to this block. inserting the grid between the anode and filament. and subsequently attaching all three electrodes to the second insulating block. The electrode unit may then be suitably attached to a glass'stem and the stem sealed to the containing vessel.

This invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 represents an embodiment of this invention employing a flat cylindrical anode. and Figure 2 represents a modification of 1920. Serial No. 396,146.

Figure 1 in which a circular cylindrical anode is employed.

Referring to Figure 1, the electron discharge device disclosed therein comprises a containing vessel 5 of glass, which has an inwardly7 projecting stem or neck G. Surrounding the stem G and held thereto by friction is a collar 7, to which are fastened two T-shaped members 8 and 9 which serve as supports for the flattened cylindrical anode 1 1. Fastened to opposite sides ofthe anode 11 are two posts which have projections 12, 13 and le, 15, which are employed for supporting insulating blocks 17 and 18, respectively. These blocks are preferably made of lavite lVithin the anode, and supported by the. two blocks 17 and 1S, are the helical grid electrode 20 and the cathode 21. The helical grid Q0 is fastened to a plurality of longitudinal rods or rigid wires QB, Qi, 25 and Q6. Rods 2l and are rigidly set in block 1S in a suitable manner, in order that the grid may be supported thereby and properly positioned with respect to the cylindrical anode 11. Rods 2l and 25 are shown as projecting through apertures in the block 17. It has been found preferable to have the apertures in block 17 of such a diameter that the wires 2li and 25 fit loosely therein. so as to allow for the ready expansion or contraction of the grid, due to clniuges in its temperature. rihe lower ends of filament Q1 are held in position by the hooked wires 30, which are rigidly attached to `the lower lavite7 block 18. The loops of the filament adjacent block 17 are supported by hooked wires 32, which pass loosely through apertures in block 17. The ends of wires on the side of block 17 opposite the filament. are connected to coiled springs whereby the filament is resilicntly supported.

In order that electrical connections may be made with the anode. cathode and grid. lead in wires +170, 4:1. 42 and 43 are provided; lead 43 being connected to the anode, lead l() to the grid and leads il1 and t2 to opposite terminals of the cathode. v

The type of electrode structure described above, in which the cathode and grid are supported between two blocks of insulating material` which are fastened to and supported by projections arising from the anode. is not a part of this invention but 1s described and claimed in the patent to Williani G. Houselreeper, No. 1,536,855 issued May 5, 1925; also the manner oi resiliently supporting the cathode described above is the invention ot yanother and is described and claimed in a eopending; application of Paul M. l/Vatrous filed November 25, 1919, Serial No. 340,455.

Ilf'he steps of the method employed in assembling such a structure, so that the three electrodes are `assembled and permanently lined up with respect to each other prior' to attaching; them to any part of the containing vessel, are as tolloivs:

1. rthe filament-supporting Wires SO are fastened to the lavite block 18.

The lilainent is connected in the desired manner to the Wires 30.

3. rThe anode electrode 11 is placed around the filament and projections 14 and 15 are fastened to block 18.

The grid electrode is inserted between the iilament and the anode.

5. Lavitek block 17 is placed in position and projections 12, 13 and Wires 2l and 25 are inserted therein;

(i. The hooked Wires 82 are then passed through apertures in bloclr 17 and are en- ,ogagged With the loops ot' the filament 21. The upper ends of these Wires 32 may then be fastened to the coil springs 84T.

7 The collar 7 is forced on the stein 8. Leadin Wires ll() to il?, are connected to the proper electrodes.

9. Stem 6 and the electrode unit are then surrounded by the containing` vessel 5 and sealed thereto in the Well-known manner.

Figure illustrates av modification ot Figiure 1 in which a circular cylindrical anode 50 is employed. The anode 50 is supported as in Figure 1 bv a metallic collar 51. surrounding the neclr 52 ot the containingvessel 'lhe open ends ot the anode 50 are closed by tivo circular blocks of insulating; material and 5G. The anode 50 lits suur);- lv against the shoulders 57 and 58 ot blocks 56 and 55. Bloclrs 55 and Siti are .ta-stoned to the cylindrical anode in any suitable manner. such bv lugs or clips shown at points and 61. for eirainple. rlhe anode surrounds the cylindrical l.orid electrode 62, which `has a plurality oli its supportine Wires tilbtting' snuelv against shoulders (itl and (i7 o'll blocks 55 and 56. The distance between shoulders 57 and 67 and between shoulders 58 and 65. is such as to provide the proper spacinq` ot the .Q'rid With respect to the surroundine' anode 50. The Filament electrode 68 oi the device is supported at one end by Wires 69 and. 70. Which pass tbrnuirli insulating; block 5C. and is supported at tbe other end bv the hooked Wire 72. which resilientlvV supports the cathode in a manner similar to that already de scribed for Figure 1. l

r)The electrode unit illustrated in Figure 2 may be assembled in the manner previously described under Figure 1, so that the electrode unit will be mounted on the neel; 52 of the vessel only aitter the electrodes of the struct-ure have been assembled and perinanently lined up ivith respect to each other.

lt is obvious that the method above described. for assemblingl an electrode structure prior to attaching; the structure to any part ot the containing vessel, may be applied to specilic electrode structures differing' from those above described, Withoutdeparting in any Wise troni the spirit of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

llVhat is claimed is:

1. A method of manutacturing` electron discharge devices which comprises supporting,l one electrode from a standard, attaching insulating` members to either end of said electrode, arranging a plurality oi' electrodes within said first electrode and supporting` said last named electrodes solely from said insulating` members.

2. A. method et manufacturing electron discharge devices Which comprises supportingr an electrode trom a standard, attaching' insulating members to either end 0i" said electrode, arranging' a plurality ot electrodes Within said lirst electrode. supporting' said last named electrodes solely from said `insulatinnr members and attaching said standard to a stem.

3. A. method ot manufacturing electron discharge' devices which comprises arrangin?.` a pair oilelectrodes Within a third electrode, insulatinaly supporting' said lirst tivo electrodes solely 'from said third electrode and disposing' the electrode assembly Wholly Within a glass coirtaininnn vessel.

4. The method ot mann'tacturingr an electron discharge device composed o't an enclosingl vessel having a stem, a plurality of electrodes and insulating members, said method consistip et asscmblin e` the cathode on one insulating' member, inserting' said cathode Within the anode and rig-idly atta chinar said insulating; member toV one end thereof. insert-ina1 a l.Qjrid electrode between the cathode and anode and attaching; to said insulatine` member. slidably supporting; the tree end ot said cathode and `.frrid in a second insulatine: member rigidly `attached to the other end et the anode. and therezitter supporting said assembly from the stein ot the enclosing vessel.

5. An electron discharge device comprising); a contamina' vessel. an anode ivithinsaid vessel, a plurality ot electrodes Within said anode. a supporting' connection from said anode to a Wall ot said. vessel. a pair ot insulating; members rigidly attached to the ends of said anode. and means t'or supporting; said'electrodes from said members.

6. An electron discharge device comprising an enclosing vessel containing a cathode, a control electrode and an anoce surrounding said cathode and control electrode, a plurality ot blocks o'l insulating' material carried by said anode and located at opposite ends thereof, and means tor supporting` said cathode and control electrode solely trom said blocks.

7. An electron discharge device comprising an enclosing vessel containing a cathode, a cyclindrical anode, a plurality ot blocks ott insulating material rigidly attached to said anode and covering; the ends thcreo'l7 and means for supporting' said cathode substantially entirely 'from said blocks oit' insulating' material.

S. An electron discharge device comprisine' an enclosing' Vessel coni'iaininrj an anode. a cathode and a control electrode, a pair ot supports secured to said anode at opposite ends thereoitl and means tor siuiportincY said cathode and control electrode substantially entirely troni said pair oit supports.

9. An electron discharge device comprisan enclosing yessel containing a plurality et electrodes. a pair ot supports attached to one of said electrodes. and a plurality oit other electrodes supported substantially entirely trom said supports.

10. An electron discharge device comprisine an enclosing vessel containing' a plurality orp electrodes. a pair ot supports attached to one ot said electrodes. and a plurality ot other electrodes supported substantially `entirely trom said supports. said other e ectrodes being; spaced between said pair ot supports.

11. An electron discharge device comprisingr an enclosing` Vessel containing a cathode, a grid surrounding said cathode. an anode surroundinel said arid` means tor supportine' said anode Within said Vessel. said anode beine; cylindrical in form. a plurality ot blocks ot insulating' material attached to said anode. said cathode and grid beine' spaced between said blocks and supported thereby.

12. An electron discharge device comprisine' a Vessel containing' a tubular anode. means for supporting said anode within said Vessel, a cathode cooperating' With said anode.y a block ot' insulating' material at either end ot said anode ot substantially the same size as said ends. said blocks beine; rigidly 'fastened to said anode. and means for supporting' said cathode From said blocks.

13. An electron discharge device comprising' an enclosing vessel containing' a tubular anode, means tor suppm'ting` said anode Within said vessel, a stopper of insulating material rigidly attached at either end of said anode 'lor substantially closing said ends, and a cathode spaced between said stoppers and supported thereby.

1li. An electron discharge device comprising; an enclosing' vessel having a stem, a cylindrical output electrode supported thereby, a cathode within said electrode and extending' lengthwise thercot', a support attached to said output electrode tor said cathode, and a grid between said cathode and output electrode carried by said support.

15. An electron discharge device comprisine' an enclosing' vessel having' a stem, a cylindrical output electrode supported thereby. a cathode Within said electrode, ay pair ot supports carried by said output electrode and connected to opposite ends of said cathode. a control electrode surrounding said cathode Within said output electrode and also carried by said supports. and an enrelope sealed to said stem.

1G. An electron discharge device comprisine' a vessel having' an inwardly projecting neclt. an anode supported by a collar surrounding; said neclt, blocks of insulating inaterial at opposite ends oit said anode, and cathode and control electrodes supported by said blocks.

17. An electron discharge device comprising' an enclosing' vessel having;v a stem, an anode supported by a metallic collar surroundie' said stem, 'cathode and control electrodes surrounded by said anode, a bloclt oit insulating' material rigidly attached at either end ot said anode and supporting` Wires engaging said blocks -for supporting' said control electrode and cathode.

18. An `electron discharge device comprisine' an enclosing' vessel havingv a stem. an electrode supported by a collar surrounding' said stem. a block ot insulating' material rigidly attached at either end ot said electrode. a second electrode, and means for supportine; said second electrode between said blocks.

19. An electron discharge device comprisingr an enclosing' Vessel harina' a reentrant stem. an electrode assembly Within said yessel comprising' a pair of' insulating' members and at least two electrodes. said insulating` members beine' allixcd to one ot said 'electrodes. a collar on said stem. and means for supporting' said assembly substantially Wholly troni said collar. i

In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 9th day of July A. D., 1920.

YVILLIAllI F. HENDRY. 

